1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1979 Ferrari 308 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 422 kg more than 1974 Volvo 343. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1979 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1979 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volvo |
| Model | 308 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2400 mm |
